Real estate development company Hoyt Street Properties made their name by transforming Northwest Portland’s abandoned warehouses and rail yards into the Pearl District, a world-renown example of urban living.
Now, the company is hoping to transform people’s car-driving habits by promoting “limited car usage” to prospective buyers of The Encore, their latest mixed-use condo project.
From a press release on their website:
“Hoyt is offering future residents of The Encore the choice of: a colorful cruiser bicycle, a streetcar pass, a pair of walking shoes from REI, or a Flexcar membership.”
I’d definitely pick the cruiser bike. So would the company’s CEO, Tiffany Sweitzer,
“The cruiser bicycles are a great way for residents of The Encore to explore their new neighborhood…From riding along the river to cruising into the heart of The Pearl for dinner, residents will enjoy a healthy mode of transportation without having to hassle with unnecessary car usage or parking.”
They even go as far as saying,
“The Encore will realize the possibility of limited car dependency and even car-free living.”
The building is slated for occupancy in Summer of 2008.
I wonder if any of the new residents will check out some of the events and speakers at the Towards Carfree Cities conference coming to Portland next June?
I think it’s great that we have real estate developers in this town who educate incoming residents about the benefits of a walking and biking lifestyle.